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Aug04

DVD Review: Sling Blade [Blu-ray]: Billy Bob Thornton, Dwight Yoakam, J.T. Walsh, John Ritter, Lucas Black, Natalie Canerday, James Hampton, Robert Duvall, Rick Dial, Brent Briscoe, Christine Renee Ward, Sarah Boss: Movies & TV

Posted by admin | on 4 August, 04:25 AM

DVD Review: Sling Blade [Blu-ray]: Billy Bob Thornton, Dwight Yoakam, J.T. Walsh, John Ritter, Lucas Black, Natalie Canerday, James Hampton, Robert Duvall, Rick Dial, Brent Briscoe, Christine Renee Ward, Sarah Boss: Movies & TV

Amazon.com
Billy Bob Thornton wrote, directed, and starred in this mesmerizing drama with haunting overtones of To Kill a Mockingbird. Thornton plays a mentally retarded man who has spent 20 years in a psychiatric hospital for killing his mother and her lover. Released into the community from which he came, he befriends and protects a lonely boy regularly harassed and abused by his mom’s boyfriend (a terrific performance by Dwight Yoakam). The story is ultimately about sacrifice, but Thornton certainly doesn’t get twinkly about it. Some of the best material concerns the hero’s no-big-deal efforts to integrate into a “normal” life: working, eating fast food, earning admiration for his handyman skills, and attaining a semblance of community among other damaged souls. John Ritter has a great part as a gay shopkeeper who tries to assuage his own loneliness by spilling his guts out to Thornton’s uncomprehending character. –Tom Keogh

Product Description
For the first time, Miramax proudly presents this riveting motion picture in the phenomenal intensity of Blu-ray DiscTM. Applauded by critics and moviegoers alike, the award-winning masterpiece written/directed by and starring Billy Bob Thornton (Bad Santa) achieves new heights of greatness in high definition. 25 years after committing an unthinkable crime, a quiet man named Karl (Thornton) finally returns home. Once there, he s befriended by a fatherless boy and his mother. But when his newfound peace is shattered by the mother s abusive boyfriend (Grammy winner Dwight Yoakam), Karl is suddenly placed on a collision course with his past! Also starring Robert Duvall, John Ritter and J.T. Walsh, this emotional powerhouse is an unforgettable experience for the eyes and ears as well as the heart. Feel the stirring power of Sling Blade as never before in Blu-rayTM high definition.

living inside one’s own heart,

By Shelley Shay (Denton, TX **(God Bless the USA!!)**) -
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Sling Blade (DVD)

With the parodies and jokes surrounding the lead character of this film stating, “I like the way you talk,” I was not expecting this film to be anything I’d be impressed with. Boy, was I wrong. This a fantastic film.

Billy Bob Thornton plays Karl Childers, a man about to be released from a mental hospital after staying there for 30 years. Karl killed his own mother and her lover when he was only about 12 years old and you wonder from the beginning of this film - why are they letting him out?

Some people call him slow, some people say he’s retarded - but as each scene comes and goes, you realize that there is a lot more going on inside Karl’s head than anyone else believes.

While autism is not mentioned by name in the film, it’s obvious that this character was modeled after an autistic person. He does not maintain eye contact and rarely exhibits emotion or speaks.

He returns to his childhood hometown after being released from the hospital and puts his mechanical skills to good use as a small engine wiz at a local mechanic shop.

He befriends Frank (Lucas Black), a young boy who reminds Karl of the kind of life he could have had, if he had only had different parents. Frank’s mother has a psycho for a boyfriend (masterfully played by Dwight Yoakum) who treats Frank and his mother like garbage and threatens to kill them if the relationship ever ends.

Small town folks have big hearts, but sometimes small minds. Frank’s mother (Natalie Camerday) has a best friend who is gay (well acted by John Ritter) and he must hide his relationships from the townsfolk. Her friend Vaughn wants to go to a a bigger city with wider acceptance of his lifestyle, but he continues to stay to act as a guardian angel for his friend and her son.

As Karl meets and interacts with the new friends (and enemies) he meets, he reveals some of his darker secrets with his friend, Frank. While he shows almost no emotion, Karl’s story evokes tears from all but the most stony-hearted viewer. He not only feels great pain of what he has experienced and what he has done, he feels great empathy for Frank and his mother and holds their friendship dear to his heart.

There is violence in the film, but the most violent of scenes is just audible - nothing is seen, just heard. This film is too intense for young viewers, but teenagers should have no problem with it.

This film really makes you think - about what goes on in the minds of those who are mentally different in any way - and how all emotions are universal.

A Cut Above the Rest,

By A Customer

This review is from: Sling Blade [VHS] (VHS Tape)

We know well the visage of the desolate, decadent, sometimes lascivious Southern landscape from the works of William Faulkner and others. Not unlike Faulkner, Billy Bob Thornton’s Sling Blade guides us guiltily toward the region’s historical and modern undercurrents of social prejudices, ignored dysfunction, sought acceptance, and resulting violence. The film addresses a universal human condition, however, and not the region.

The title of the film looms over the audience as Thornton urges fondness while successfully negotiating the fine line between our fear of, and affection for Karl Childers (Thornton), a recently released mental patient committed as a child for violently murdering his mother and her boyfriend. Sling Blade is a study in tension with thick suspense built through superior character development resulting in conflicts that escalate into deliberate, almost real-time rhythms.

The story is one of need and moreover of acceptance, as the collection of limping characters, directly or not, seek it, and to some degree, with the help of Karl, attain it. The boy, Frank (Lucas Black), seeks the love of a father figure after the suicide of his own. Linda, the mother (Natalie Canderday), requires the general acceptance of her perceived role as a Southern woman, and subsequently the acceptance from a mate, which is evident in her destructive dependence upon her demonic, red-neck boyfriend, Doyle (Dwight Yoakam). Her own deep need renders her perhaps overly accepting of others, including Karl, whom most mothers wouldn’t let within ten feet of there sons. Vaughn (John Ritter), like the others, seeks love, and on an outward scale, struggles with his half-open homosexuality in the small Southern town. Doyle, not unlike Linda, wants acceptance of his perceived role as a family head and wants to be loved as well, but lacks even the basic tools to a gain it. And finally Karl, the most dynamic character in the film, seeks acceptance only from himself as he works to garner love and to construct some semblance of a life within the limited bounds of his mental capacity, his stunted development, and his own set of morals.

While the climax of the film is somewhat telegraphed, it is more inevitable than predictable, and the audience is left alone with the wonderment and self-examination over the questionable choice of a sympathetic character. From Sling Blade we leave with the unsolicited lesson that tenderness and brutality sometimes share the same origin.

Redneck auteur extraordinaire!,

By Jeffrey Few (Seattle, WA USA) -

This review is from: Sling Blade (DVD)

A little-known fact: Billy Bob Thornton–star, director and writer of this amazing film–is the greatest southern voice since William Faulkner. This film is essential southern gothic retooled for the New South of mini-malls and subdivisions. The old demons still lurk, most graphically through Doyle (played remarkably by Dwight Yoakam). Watch for a cameo appearance from indie/y’allternative musician Vic Chesnutt! Besides being an incredibly important film about the South, it’s emotional rollercoaster ride: from Carl (Thornton) and his shocking past, to the awkwardness of his first days away from institutionalization, to the amazing paternal relationship he forges with a neglected boy–the one person who will accept him unconditionally. Heart-wrenching, dark and beautiful.
Search Sling Blade [Blu-ray]: Billy Bob Thornton, Dwight Yoakam, J.T. Walsh, John Ritter, Lucas Black, Natalie Canerday, James Hampton, Robert Duvall, Rick Dial, Brent Briscoe, Christine Renee Ward, Sarah Boss: Movies & TV from AmAzon

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Tags: drama, family, gay, crime, war

DVD Review: Knight Rider - Season One: Justin Bruening, Deanna Russo, Paul Campbell, Val Kilmer, Smith Cho, Bruce Davison, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Yancey Arias, Vanessa Williams, Rick Hoffman, Peter Weireter, Benjamín Benítez: Movies & TV

Posted by admin | on 1 August, 01:27 AM

DVD |

DVD Review: Knight Rider - Season One: Justin Bruening, Deanna Russo, Paul Campbell, Val Kilmer, Smith Cho, Bruce Davison, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Yancey Arias, Vanessa Williams, Rick Hoffman, Peter Weireter, Benjamín Benítez: Movies & TV

Product Description
An iconic TV classic is back and better than ever in the reinvented, updated, and super-charged Knight Rider Season One. From executive producers Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity franchise), David Bartis (The O.C.) and Glen Larson (Battlestar Galactica) comes this action-packed series about the coolest car ever created, K.I.T.T. (Knight Industries Three Thousand), that’s equipped with artificial intelligence capable of hacking into any computer, the weapons system of a jet fighter, and incredible custom body technology that allows it to transform into other vehicles. Relive every Season One episode as an elite team of crime-fighters work with K.I.T.T. to track down elusive, high-tech villains. Presented in uninterrupted Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, you won’t want to miss this fast-paced ride to the wild side!

New Knight Rider is a cool as ice,

By Bill Shakespeare (UK) -

It’s hard to match the original classic series, but the new Knight Rider manages to be fun and cool. It’s a little lightweight, to begin with. This is pure saturday afternoon popcorn TV. So don’t expect Lost or the new Battlestar. I like Val Kilmer as the voice of Kitt, and I also warmed to the Mustang after a while. The new lead actor is good in a different way to Hasselhoff was, he seems a little more vulnerable.

If you like shows with cars, good looking women and fun action storylines. You’ll like this.

Knight Ride Owns the Night!,

By Night1wings (Sunshine State) -

Awesome reboot of the 1980’s TV Classic. They listened to viewers and retooled it further when they eliminated the governmental over site (and 3 performers who were unneeded). Full of action and clean fun. As much as I enjoy the Knight Rider of the 80’s, the acting is actually better with the current series. Looking forward to viewing this series again, and again!

Awesome updated classic,

By Anthony N. (Canton, Michigan) -

Awesome remake of a classic. Not a Ford guy, more a GM, but that Mustang is a beauty! Maybe they can up the ante (if the show returns) with a fine Camaro SS!
Great show, not your typical dark series, just fun and exciting!
Buy it! It will be worth it.
Oh yeah….beautiful women!
Search Knight Rider - Season One: Justin Bruening, Deanna Russo, Paul Campbell, Val Kilmer, Smith Cho, Bruce Davison, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Yancey Arias, Vanessa Williams, Rick Hoffman, Peter Weireter, Benjamín Benítez: Movies & TV from AmAzon

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Tags: crime, war, action

DVD Review: Dollhouse: Season One [Blu-ray]: Eliza Dushku, Harry Lennix, Fran Kranz, Tahmoh Penikett, Enver Gjokaj, Dichen Lachman, Olivia Williams, Amy Acker, Reed Diamond, Kurt Caceres, Brett Claywell, David Doty, Allan Kroeker, David Solomon, David Straiton, Dwight H. Little, Elodie Keene, Félix Enríquez Alcalá, James A. Contner, Joss Whedon: Movies & TV

Posted by admin | on 1 August, 01:17 AM

DVD |

DVD Review: Dollhouse: Season One [Blu-ray]: Eliza Dushku, Harry Lennix, Fran Kranz, Tahmoh Penikett, Enver Gjokaj, Dichen Lachman, Olivia Williams, Amy Acker, Reed Diamond, Kurt Caceres, Brett Claywell, David Doty, Allan Kroeker, David Solomon, David Straiton, Dwight H. Little, Elodie Keene, Félix Enríquez Alcalá, James A. Contner, Joss Whedon: Movies & TV

Product Description
From Joss Whedon comes a new groundbreaking show starring Eliza Dushku as Echo, an operative in an underground organization that provides hired personas for various missions.

Disc 1: 230 Minutes

**Forced Trailers: Wolverine, Joss Whedon Properties Trailer, I Love You Beth Cooper, Nobel Son, Wrong Turn 3, The Keeper

**Ghost
*Episode Commentary with Joss Whedon and Eliza Dushku
**The Target
**Stage Fright
**Gray Hour
**True Believer

Disc 2: 230 Minutes

**Man on the Street
*Episode Commentary by Joss Whedon
**Echoes
**Needs
**A Spy in the House
**Haunted

Disc 3: 229 Minutes

**Briar Rose
**Omega

**Epitaph One
*Episode Commentary by Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen

**Original Unaired Pilot - “Echo”
**Commentary w/ Cast & Crew
**Deleted Scenes
**Making Dollhouse
**Coming Back Home
**Finding Echo
**Designing the Perfect Dollhouse
**A Private Engagement

One of the most inventive, challenging shows on television,

By Robert Moore (Chicago, IL USA) -
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)

Over the past fifteen years, no one has made more interesting television than Joss Whedon. BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER helped revolutionize television, not only making the empowered female hero a staple of television, but popularizing the long story arc and introducing the concept of the body count. ANGEL did little innovation in its own right, but still managed to roll out several seasons of excellent and consistently fascinating television. And FIREFLY not only brought new ground by blending the Western and Sci-fi, but brought a grittiness to the genre that later BATTLESTAR GALACTICA took to new heights. DOLLHOUSE, however, is both a far more challenging and adventurous series than any of these. Is it as consistently successful as these? Absolutely not. Does it represent Joss Whedon’s best work? Here the answer gets dicey. Speaking strictly on the basis of what has been shown so far the answer would be “No,” but a more honest and accurate answer would be, “Potentially.”

It is no secrete that DOLLHOUSE is considered a long shot to be renewed. The fault largely has to be laid at the feet of the executives of FOX. This show, unlike virtually every other show that FOX has ever done, is cutting edge and adventurous, taking risks unlike anything else you’ll find on commercial TV. Had the show been placed on any night of the week other than Friday it unquestionably would have attracted a healthy viewership. After all, there is no question that a large number of people are actually watching it. Between live viewers on the “death night” of Friday, the large number of people who DVR the show, the huge number of people who download it via Torrents, and those who buy it on iTunes or Amazon’s Unbox, a whole lot of people watch this show. But FOX shoved the show into the least promising time slot of the entire week, Friday nights. And what was the result? What anyone would imagine it would be: no one watched it live. DVR? Yes. Download? Yes. But live? No. The problem with Friday nights is that everyone in the 18-49 age group that advertisers desire is that they are all out doing stuff. The shows that have good ratings that night, like GHOST WHISPERER, attracts primarily viewers over the age of 49. FOX is responsible for the low ratings of DOLLHOUSE by not putting it on a better night. But despite that it has a show that plenty of people are watching, only not live.

DOLLHOUSE is built around an extremely difficult concept: people voluntarily (though not uncoerced) agreeing to become more or less indentured servants (which also involves nothing short of prostitution). Imprinted with the personalities who anyone needed for their jobs, the “Actives” who populate the Dollhouse can undertake virtually any job imaginable, for a fee. The first several episodes were somewhat slow and dragged a bit, a series of standalone episodes strongly encouraged by FOX. But once the show moved away from the “assignment of the week” it became the most bracing and exciting hour on television. The second half of the season featured one absolutely breathtaking episode after another, culminating in the final two, where the mysterious “Alpha” finally put in an appearance (played by the wonderful Alan Tudyk) makes his appearance. The show featured one startling twist and shock after another, some that could be anticipated (like many, I had guessed something crucial about Amy Acker’s character)) and others that could not. It became a show that was the least predictable on TV.

The question now is whether FOX will allow us to find out what happens next. Due to their terrible decision to put the show on Friday nights the ratings bombed (the original plan was to put the show on Mondays just before 24), which is unfortunately still the only came in town for the networks and advertisers, despite the otherwise large number of people who watch the series. I do have one hope for the continuance of DOLLHOUSE as we know it. Kevin Reilly, the head of FOX since the summer of 2007, has not been out-of-control in canceling shows. Unlike the FOX of the past, the Kevin Reilly FOX has been far more sober in canceling shows (though he has inexplicably renewed what is arguably the most hated show on TV, `TIL DEATH, which has the lowest viewer rating of any active show on TV). While head of NBC, Reilly made a habit of renewing critically acclaimed but low-rated series, like 30 ROCK, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, and THE OFFICE. Two of those three later became hits. My hope with DOLLHOUSE is that Reilly will remember that great shows have a potential of growing an audience, if you put them on the right night.

DOLLHOUSE is one of many shows of recent years that focuses extensively or even primarily on the question of what makes a person. BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, for instance, dealt at length about who could be said to be a person. In the first three seasons of that show Sharon Agathon (who was, interestingly, involved with Karl Agathon, who was played by Tahmoh Penikett, who plays FBI agent Paul Ballard on DOLLHOUSE) is at the center of whether or not she is a person, despite being a cybernetic machine. Living in a world where our self-identities are often the construct of the things that we identify with and purchase, products of the consumer society in which we live. Questions of authenticity are at the heart of our society. If you know many of the thinkers and writers with whom Joss Whedon is familiar there is no question that he is familiar with these kinds of issues. Many are not comfortable with this. Whedon made his mark as one of the great feminists on television (and interestingly DOLLHOUSE stars Eliza Dushku, whose mother, like Whedon’s, is a well known feminist). He has taken a lot of flak for the prostitution that the “Dolls” on the show engage in. The women are very much victims and there are few images of empowered women, completely unlike BUFFY with Buffy and Willow, ANGEL with Fred and Cordelia, and FIREFLY with River and Zoe. But the world is messy and complex and heavily nuanced. This show interacts and dialogues with that complexity. We are having a crisis of identity. We allow too many influences in society dictate who we are. How can we be authentic human beings when we do not have control over our own personhood? These questions transcend issues of feminism and penetrate to the question of what it means to be a person.

Although there may not be a Season Two of DOLLHOUSE, Joss Whedon has produced a wonderfully self-contained series even if it doesn’t continue. Unliked the vast majority of TV creators and writers, Whedon has always felt that each season of a series should end in a way so that if it is the last episode, fans aren’t left unnecessarily suffering. The final episode of ever season of every show he has done has not ended on a cliffhanger unless the show had already been renewed before production on the finale had begun. Seasons One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and Seven of BUFFY as well as Seasons One, Two, Four, and Five of ANGEL could all serve as series ends. They already knew that ANGEL had been renewed when the finale of Season Three was filming. FIREFLY was cancelled right in the middle of filming, so it never had the opportunity of any kind of ending.

The DVDs will feature an episode that FOX currently has no plan on broadcasting. It guest stars Felicia Day (one of the Potentials from Season Seven of BUFFY and the love female lead in DR. HORRIBLE’S SING-ALONG BLOG) and purportedly does some exceptionally over-the-top things. Kristin of Eonline has reported that if FOX does not renew DOLLHOUSE, Joss Whedon is interested in developing a new show out of that final though unbroadcast episode of DOLLHOUSE. Hopefully, this time he will try to do something on one of the cable networks. Instead of FOX, I would like to see him on the Sci Fi channel (or as it is soon to be known, SyFy) or HBO or Showtime or even AMC. Because we haven’t seen this episode yet, we have no idea what direction a new Joss Whedon series based on this would look like. But if it is even a fraction as interesting as DOLLHOUSE, I am game. The truth is, this show should never have been on FOX to begin with. That it did was a result of Eliza Dushku having a contract with FOX to develop a new show. She immediately asked Joss Whedon to create that show. I think she has done a great job as Echo in the series, but I hope that we’ll continue to see her either on FOX in this show or on a cable channel in the same role on a new show.

Will this be the end of DOLLHOUSE? I hope not. I had grown to have almost no interest in FOX and hadn’t been watching any FOX shows in several seasons, but first with TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES and then with DOLLHOUSE and FRINGE, I thought it was finally becoming a network that was interested in exciting and complex programming. And maybe it will be. Time will tell. But here is what confuses me. There is no shortage of great series on TV. But so many of those shows are lightly watched. Some are on cable and as a result are sheltered by lowered expectations. MAD MEN, BREAKING BAD, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, and TRUE BLOOD are all interesting or even great shows that get very few viewers, far less than even failing shows on CBS or NBC or ABC. Then there are more heavily watched shows like PUSHING DAISIES, ELI STONE, TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES, CHUCK, and DOLLHOUSE that either get cancelled or are in danger of cancellation because they are on one of the broadcast networks. There is no question that the television industry is broken. Viewership is in decline for all the networks for all evenings. There is little to indicate that this is going to reverse. But the networks have not managed to come up with any kind of functional model to deal with lessened viewership. FOX can’t figure out what to do with shows like TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES and DOLLHOUSE that are heavily watched but have few live viewers. If FOX cancels them, in their place will go two other shows with perhaps even fewer viewers and far less critical buzz.

Whatever happens, we at least got one splendid season of the always-fascinating Joss Whedon. Hopefully we’ll get more seasons of DOLLHOUSE. If not, more seasons of some new Joss Whedon series.

May 15, 2009 — Awesome news!!!! Against hope FOX has renewed DOLLHOUSE for a second season! The Hollywood Reporter broke the story but it has since been confirmed by some writers on the show. It has been renewed for only 13 episodes, which is similar to what has happened to CHUCK and FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. But unless one wants to quibble with the number of episodes, this is great news. The one fly in the ointment is that FOX is apparently keeping the show on Friday night. It seems that they have decided to keep a show going that a core group of people care passionately about rather than a show that might get slightly more viewers, but who don’t care that much one way or another.

mostly good,

By James Morris -

I am a huge fan of Dollhouse, very glad it’s getting renewed, and will be buying this Blu-ray set as soon as it’s available.

This show is great because it’s not like every other show. Most shows on these days are either a hospital show, a crime scene investigation show, a “reality show”, or a family based sitcom.

The first few episodes can be a bit painful, but the show really picks up by the end of the season. The reason is partly because Fox requested the first few episodes be standalone, for the sake of new viewers. Surprise, Fox’s call was dead wrong there, and caused many people to lose interest in the show. The last few episodes are great, and season two will be more like these.

Can’t wait to see how season two plays out.
Slow start… but a great show!,

By Jay W. Abbit -

Joss Whedon does it again with another great show. If you’re familiar with ‘Buffy, the Vampire Slayer’, ‘Angel’, or ‘Firefly’, this is a definite must for you. While not nearly as fun as Whedon’s previous franchises, ‘Dollhouse’ is still a great show, and easily better than 98% of the shows currently on the air. The show has many twists and turns, and is quite filled with mystery and intrigue as we slowly find out/are given hints regarding why each ‘doll’ is in the ‘dollhouse’ and what type of life they had previously. Most of the acting is great, the dialogue is Whedon great, and overall cinematography is more film oriented and involved than your usual ‘talking head’ tv show. Now, for the cons: some of the cast/characters don’t click with each other, most notably the characters of Boyd and Victor, two very prominent characters. Also, we’re given many hints as to future storylines, but this first season was mostly stand alone episodes and wasn’t quite as epic or mythological based as it should of been.

Overall: Still one of the best shows currently in production!
Search Dollhouse: Season One [Blu-ray]: Eliza Dushku, Harry Lennix, Fran Kranz, Tahmoh Penikett, Enver Gjokaj, Dichen Lachman, Olivia Williams, Amy Acker, Reed Diamond, Kurt Caceres, Brett Claywell, David Doty, Allan Kroeker, David Solomon, David Straiton, Dwight H. Little, Elodie Keene, Félix Enríquez Alcalá, James A. Contner, Joss Whedon: Movies & TV from AmAzon

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Tags: family, action, television, mystery, crime

DVD Review: Green Hornet, The: Gordon Jones, Keye Luke, Anne Nagel, Wade Boteler, Phillip Trent, Cy Kendall, Stanley Andrews, Selmer Jackson, Joseph Crehan, Walter McGrail, Eddie Dunn, Edward Earle, Ben Taggart, Ford Beebe;Ray Taylor: Movies & TV

Posted by admin | on 29 July, 01:51 PM

DVD |

DVD Review: Green Hornet, The: Gordon Jones, Keye Luke, Anne Nagel, Wade Boteler, Phillip Trent, Cy Kendall, Stanley Andrews, Selmer Jackson, Joseph Crehan, Walter McGrail, Eddie Dunn, Edward Earle, Ben Taggart, Ford Beebe;Ray Taylor: Movies & TV

Product Description
The Green Hornet (also referred to as simply Green Hornet) is a masked fictional crime fighter. Originally created by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker for an American radio program in the 1930s, the character has appeared in two Universal serials. In the 13 episode serial, the city is faced with rising crime and increased racketeering activity, intrepid newspaper editor Britt Reid (Gordon Jones) becomes the crime fighter the Green Hornet. As far as the police are concerned, the Hornet is himself a criminal; this misunderstanding enables Reid to operate "outside the law" to battle criminals and racketeers. Working along side the Hornet is the brilliant inventor/sidekick Kato (Keye Luke), the only living person who knows the true identity of the Hornet. Our heroes fight an infamous racket’s that’s menacing their city. Bonus Features: Episode Selection, Liner Notes by author Martin Grams Jr., Two Radio Episodes of THE GREEN HORNET, Photo Gallery, Trailers. Product Specs: 2-DVD9s; Dolby Digital 2.0; 258 minutes; B&W; 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; MPAA - NR; Year - 1940; SRP - $29.99.

Read This Review Before You Buy,

By R. G. Bright -

This DVD release is SUPERB. I can say that because I have purchased numerous releases for the same serial, including VHS and unauthorized DVD releases. The picture quality is sharp and clear and evidently from the studio masters. The sound is excellent and the detail level is superb.

The serial is chaptered so you can select which chapter you want to watch or you can watch them all from beginning to end without interruption. Old-Time Radio shows are a bonus.

Best part about this release is the liner notes. Authored by Martin Grams, it reveals just how and where they filmed each scene for the chapters, character actors in small roles (such as an unbilled Alan Ladd) and more. I recommend you read the liner notes before watching the serial so you have plenty to look out for during viewing. Makes viewing more fun. (And according to the end of the notes, the author has an authorized book on THE GREEN HORNET coming out in early 2010!)

Overall, quality, liner notes, radio shows, bonus features, this is as good as it gets. If you question whether this is worth the price, take it from a Hornet fan. Grab this.

“The Green Hornet (1940) … Gordon Jones … VCI Ent. (2009)”,

By J. Lovins “Mr. Jim” (Missouri-USA) -
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)

VCI Entertainment presents “THE GREEN HORNET” — (9 January 1940) (258 mins/B&W) (Dolby digitally remastered) — Universal movie serial based on the The Green Hornet radio series by George W. Trendle — The Green Hornet, secretly newspaper publisher Britt Reid, and his Korean valet Kato stop and expose several seemingly separate crimes. This leads them into continued conflict with The Leader, the criminal mastermind behind The Syndicate and the individual crimes — “It’s gone… like a puff of smoke! I’ve never seen a car move so fast.” — The two police officers who are constantly chasing the Green Hornet’s car say that in almost every episode. Britt Reid (the Green Hornet) is a rich guy who like Bruce Wayne (Batman) and Lamont Cranston (The Shadow) has a secret identity that he uses to fight crime — Through thirteen chapters in this serial The Green Hornet manages to discover and eliminate a number of various criminal enterprises that are plaguing his city. Playing The Green Hornet in this version is a younger and leaner Gordon Jones who was best known for being Mike the Cop on the Abbott and Costello show. Keye Luke plays his sidekick and chauffeur Kato who because of the impending war was changed from Japanese to Korean for this serial.

Under the production staff of:
Ford Beebe - Director
Ray Taylor - Director
George H. Plympton - Screenwriter
Basil Dickey - Screenwriter
Morrison Wood - Screenwriter
Lyonel Margolies - Screenwriter
Fran Striker - author of characters
George W. Trendel - creator of character
Henry MacRae - Associate Producer
Jerome Ash - Cinematographer
William A. Sickner - Cinematographer
Irving Birnbaum - Film Editor
Joseph Gluck - Film Editor
Alvin Todd - Film Editor
Harold H. MacArthur - Art Director
David Sharpe - Stunts

Chapter titles
1. The Tunnel of Terror
2. The Thundering Terror
3. Flying Coffins
4. Pillar of Flame
5. The Time Bomb
6. Highways of Peril
7. Bridge of Disaster
8. Dead or alive
9. The Hornet Trapped
10.Bullets and Ballots
11.Disaster Rides the Rails
12.Panic in the Zoo
13.Doom of the Underworld

the cast includes:
Gordon Jones … Britt Reid / The Green Hornet
Wade Boteler … Michael Axford
Anne Nagel … Lenore “Casey” Case
Keye Luke … Kato
Phillip Trent … Jasper Jenks
Cy Kendall … Curtis Monroe
Stanley Andrews … Police Commissioner [Chs. 1, 5, 9, 13]
Selmer Jackson … District Attorney [Chs. 4, 10]
Joseph Crehan … Judge Stanton [Chs. 1, 9, 10, 13] (as Joe Crehan)
Walter McGrail … Henchman Dean
Gene Rizzi … Henchman Corey
John Kelly … Henchman Pete Hawks
Eddie Dunn … D.H. Sligby [Ch. 7]
Edward Earle … Felix Grant, Attorney [Ch. 1]
Ben Taggart … Phil Bartlett [Chs. 3-4]
Clyde Dilson … Meadows [Ch. 5]
Jerry Marlowe … Bob Stafford [Chs. 7, 11]
Frederick Vogeding … Max Gregory [Ch. 11] (as Fredrik Vogeding)

BIOS:
1. Gordon Jones
Date of Birth: 5 April 1911 - Alden, Iowa
Date of Death: 20 June 1963 - Tarzana, California

2. Anne Nagel
Date of Birth: 29 September 1912 - Boston, Massachusetts
Date of Death: 6 July 1966 - Hollywood, California

3. Keye Luke
Date of Birth: 18 June 1904 - Guangzhou, China
Date of Death: 12 January 1991 - Whittier, California

4. Ford Beebe (Director)
Date of Birth: 26 November 1888 - Grand Rapids, Michigan
Date of Death: 26 November 1978 - Lake Elsinore, California

5. Ray Taylor (Director)
Date of Birth: 1 December 1888 - Perham, Minnesota
Date of Death: 15 February 1952 - Hollywood, California

BONUS FEATURES:
1. Liner Notes by Author Martin Grams Jr.
2. Two “Green Hornet” Radio Episodes
3. Stills Gallery
4. Episodes 1-13 (End Credits)

Hats off and thanks to Les Adams (collector/guidelines for character identification), Chuck Anderson (Webmaster: The Old Corral/B-Westerns.Com), Boyd Magers (Western Clippings), Bobby J. Copeland (author of “Trail Talk”), Rhonda Lemons (Empire Publishing Inc), Bob Nareau (author of “The Real Bob Steele”) and Buck Rainey (author of :The Life and Films of Buck Jones) as they have rekindled my interest once again for Film Noir, B-Westerns and Serials — looking forward to more high quality releases from the vintage serial era of the ’30s & ’40s and B-Westerns — order your copy now from Amazon or VCI Entertainment where there are plenty of copies available on DVD — stay tuned once again for top notch action mixed with exciting adventure — if you enjoyed this title, why not check out Amazon or VCI where they are experts in releasing B-Westerns — all my heroes have been cowboys!

Total Time: 258 mins on DVD ~ VCI Entertainment ~ (07/28/2009)

He still hunts the biggest of all game.,

By Robin LaVair (Canehill, AR.) -

I bought The Green Hornet on VHS back in the ’90s. I’m glad it is coming out on DVD. I know it must be because of the new movie that is coming out and I hope that movie doesn’t kill the Green Hornet like it happened with others. (The Lone Ranger, Underdog, George of the Jungle) The first review gave a good outline of the movie but what I really liked is it sticks with what The Green Hornet is all about. When you hear the Green Hornet speek it is not the actor (Gordon Jones) who is saying the words. (a lot of movies have done that) What I like is they brought in Al Hodge of the radio show to do it. I’m hoping the tv show will be out on dvd soon. I heard there was a piolt done in the ’40s for tv that was not sold and I hope it is found and put on dvd also.
Search Green Hornet, The: Gordon Jones, Keye Luke, Anne Nagel, Wade Boteler, Phillip Trent, Cy Kendall, Stanley Andrews, Selmer Jackson, Joseph Crehan, Walter McGrail, Eddie Dunn, Edward Earle, Ben Taggart, Ford Beebe;Ray Taylor: Movies & TV from AmAzon

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Tags: action, war, adventure, crime

DVD Review: Green Hornet Strikes Again, The: Warren Hull, Keye Luke, Anne Nagel, Wade Boteler, Eddie Acuff, Pierce Watkin, James Seay, Ford Beebe;John Rawlins: Movies & TV

Posted by admin | on 29 July, 11:11 AM

DVD |

DVD Review: Green Hornet Strikes Again, The: Warren Hull, Keye Luke, Anne Nagel, Wade Boteler, Eddie Acuff, Pierce Watkin, James Seay, Ford Beebe;John Rawlins: Movies & TV

Product Description
The Green Hornet Strikes Again! A Universal movie serial based on the The Green Hornet radio series by George W. Trendle. The sequel to the 1940 serial The Green Hornet. A thousand ALL-NEW thrills! In this 15 episode serial, Britt Reid (Warren Hull) is enjoying a vacation in Hawaii. While he is away, he learns that a crime organization has extended its activities into virtually every industry in the city. Disguised as the Green Hornet, Britt makes forays against the underworld establishment. Each attack brings him closer to the identity of the syndicate mastermind, an arch crook named Grogan. Bonus Features: Episode Selection, Liner Notes by Martin Grams Jr., Two Radio Episodes of THE GREEN HORNET, Photo Gallery, Trailers. Product Specs: 2-DVD9s; Dolby Digital 2.0; 293 minutes; B&W; 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; MPAA - NR; Year - 1941; SRP - $29.99.

Review To Help Your Purchase,

By R. G. Bright -

This DVD release is SUPERB. I can say that because I have purchased numerous releases for the same serial, including VHS and unauthorized DVD releases. The picture quality is sharp and clear and evidently from the studio masters. The sound is excellent and the detail level is superb.

The serial is chaptered so you can select which chapter you want to watch or you can watch them all from beginning to end without interruption. Old-Time Radio shows are a bonus.

Best part about this release is the liner notes. Authored by Martin Grams, it reveals just how and where they filmed each scene for the chapters, character actors in small roles (such as an unbilled Alan Ladd) and more. I recommend you read the liner notes before watching the serial so you have plenty to look out for during viewing. Makes viewing more fun. (And according to the end of the notes, the author has an authorized book on THE GREEN HORNET coming out in early 2010!)

Overall, quality, liner notes, radio shows, bonus features, this is as good as it gets. If you question whether this is worth the price, take it from a Hornet fan. Grab this.

“The Green Hornet Strikes Again (1941) … Warren Hull … VCI Ent. (2009)”,

By J. Lovins “Mr. Jim” (Missouri-USA) -
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)

VCI Entertainment presents “THE GREEN HORNET STRIKES AGAIN” — (4 January 1941) (293 mins/B&W) (Dolby digitally remastered) — The restoration and quality is perfect — Special features give this collection a very high grade in the best of the best releases thus far from VCI. — This latest release has a clear and crisp picture and outstanding clarity on sound.

Universal movie serial based on the The Green Hornet radio series by George W. Trendle — The Green Hornet, secretly newspaper publisher Britt Reid, and his Korean valet Kato stop and expose several seemingly separate crimes. This leads them into continued conflict with The Leader, the criminal mastermind behind The Syndicate and the individual crimes — “It’s gone… like a puff of smoke! I’ve never seen a car move so fast.” — The two police officers who are constantly chasing the Green Hornet’s car say that in almost every episode. Britt Reid (the Green Hornet) is a rich guy who like Bruce Wayne (Batman) and Lamont Cranston (The Shadow) has a secret identity that he uses to fight crime — Through thirteen chapters in this serial The Green Hornet manages to discover and eliminate a number of various criminal enterprises that are plaguing his city. Playing The Green Hornet in this version is a younger and leaner Gordon Jones who was best known for being Mike the Cop on the Abbott and Costello show. Keye Luke plays his sidekick and chauffeur Kato who because of the impending war was changed from Japanese to Korean for this serial.